Sunday - August 26, 2007

Jimmy SPA and the importance of whimsy. 

I discovered Jimmy SPA products in Sogo, in Causeway Bay. That was last year. On my last trip to Hong Kong, I kept staring into the window of a shop that had these wonderfully illustrated wallets and coin purses. I couldn't resist bringing home a wallet and a bag. The little boy on the wallet makes me think of Lucien daydreaming in a field; the bag, I imagine, is a little girl with massive dreams.  

Jimmy Liao quit advertising to become a popular author and illustrator. I have yet to read any of his books; I wonder if they've been translated? His illustrations are now licensed on everything from mugs to ballpoints and bookends and yes, bags. I admire their whimsy, which I think we need more of in the world. Spontaneity, caprice, fancy. The ability to turn slightly away from reality and, briefly, feel a moment that holds both a wink and - could that be - a small gem of sadness. 

I'm surprised to find myself returning to illustration this weekend. It could be an after-effect of researching Jimmy Liao. 

This morning's venture into whimsy features a strange animal, a dangling human and a situation that could go either way.